Fixed frequency DC-DC converter

ABSTRACT

In a power converter system, circuitry generates first and second PWM signals during a PWM cycle for controlling application of power to an inductor. Circuitry generates error signals having AC- and DC-components, the error signals being generated in response to indications of the power applied to or developed by the inductor. Circuitry generates a feedback control signal in response to the error signals. The first and second PWM signals are controlled in response to the feedback control signals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/463,223, filed Feb. 24, 2017, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices are increasingly used in a greater diversity ofapplications for which switching-type power supplies are called upon tooperate more efficiently and effectively over increasingly wider rangesof conditions. The control circuitry for some power supplies isoptimized to have a wide stability range. However, the control circuitryoptimized for maintaining stability over a wide range of conditions canhave a slower ability to respond to fast transients in DC (directcurrent) loads. In contrast, the control circuitry for power suppliesoptimized for responding to fast transients can have a lower stabilityand often emit relatively large amounts of EMI when responding to thefast transients. Accordingly, there is a need to respond quickly totransients while providing relatively stable operation and minimizingEMI emissions.

SUMMARY

In a power converter system, circuitry generates first and second PWMsignals during a PWM cycle for controlling application of power to aninductor. Circuitry generates error signals having AC- andDC-components, the error signals being generated in response toindications of the power applied to or developed by the inductor.Circuitry generates a feedback control signal in response to the errorsignals. The first and second PWM signals are controlled in response tothe feedback control signals.

This Summary is submitted with the understanding that it is not be usedto interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Further, theSummary is not intended to identify key features or essential featuresof the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aidin determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a directly amplified ramptracking-controlled Buck converter system in accordance with thisdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a directly amplified ramp trackingconverter in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an integrator for directly amplifiedramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a spectrum diagram of the frequency response of an integratorfor directly amplified ramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a functional diagram of a gain and level shifter for directlyamplified ramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of a differential differenceamplifier-based gain and level shifter for directly amplified ramptracking in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of a transconductance-based gain andlevel shifter for directly amplified ramp tracking in accordance withthis disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a functional diagram of a transient feedforward circuit fordirectly amplified ramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a differential differenceamplifier-based transient feedforward circuit for directly amplifiedramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of a transconductance-based transientfeedforward circuit for directly amplified ramp tracking in accordancewith this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of a ramp loop circuit for directlyamplified ramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a switching circuit sample-and-holdcurrent information generator for directly amplified ramp tracking inaccordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a loop comparator for directlyamplified ramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a pulse width modulation logic circuitfor directly amplified ramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a waveform diagram of selected waveforms in steady stateoperation of a directly amplified ramp tracking converter in accordancewith this disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a waveform diagram of combined waveforms of a directlyamplified ramp tracking converter in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a waveform diagram of combined waveforms in response to anincreased load of a directly amplified ramp tracking converter inaccordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a waveform diagram of combined waveforms in response to adecreased load of a directly amplified ramp tracking converter inaccordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a waveform diagram of waveform response to an increased loadfollowed by a decreased load of a directly amplified ramp trackingconverter in accordance with this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

DC-to-DC power converters control (e.g., switch on and off) theapplication of input power to inductive components such that currentsgreater than the current of the input power can be output. Theapplication of the input power to the inductive components is switchedin accordance with a switching frequency, which can be fixed orvariable. Fixed-frequency converters include true fixed-frequencyconverters (in which the switching frequency remains fixed) and pseudofixed-frequency converters (in which the switching frequency can bechanged to respond to transient load conditions).

The DC-to-DC power converters can include compensation circuits forresponding to transient load conditions (e.g., where the response is formaintaining a constant output voltage when the applied load changes).Internal compensation circuits can be implemented entirely within thepackaging of a DC to DC power converter, whereas external compensationcircuits require external components.

Fixed-frequency power converters with internal compensation can operatein accordance with peak current mode control techniques. However,fixed-frequency power converters with internal compensation can berelatively slow in responding to fast transient load conditions. Theabsence of external compensation components (which are often omitted dueto size, cost, and power considerations) can limit the range ofstability of the compensation circuits as well as the speed at which theinternal loop compensation and slope compensation circuits can respondto fast transient (e.g., quickly changing) load conditions. Further,internally compensated fixed-frequency power converters are oftenlimited to small-load current applications because of difficultiesassociated with measuring large load currents.

Pseudo-fixed-frequency converters can operate in accordance withconstant-on-time (or hysteresis) control of feedback-based phase lockloop (PLL) circuits. The pseudo-fixed-frequency converters also canoperate in accordance with internal compensation and/or an externalcompensation. The internally compensated pseudo-fixed-frequencyconverters can respond to fast transient load conditions by changing theswitching frequency. However, changing the switching frequency normallyresults in additional radiation of electromagnetic interference (EMI),which can increase electrical noise and degrade signal-to-noise ratios.In compensation circuits designed for wide loop bandwidth operation,changing the switching frequency often induces jitter in the switchingfrequency, which contributes to emission of EMI.

In portable applications (such as handheld or automotive applications),relatively high switching frequencies are used to reduce the size andweight of fixed-frequency power converters. However, the switching speedof fixed-frequency converters can be limited by switching noise andarchitectural limitations. For example, latency results from thenoise-blanking time for high-current/low-R_(dson) (on-resistancedrain-to-source) sensing, loop comparator response times, and driver(e.g., for switching the input power) propagation delays. Such latenciestend to limit the overall frequency at which a converter can operate.The limitations on the overall frequency can limit the switchingfrequency of the fixed-frequency converter to less than around 3 MHz,for example.

In contrast, directly amplified ramp tracking (DART) control forfixed-frequency operation of power converters described herein permittrue fixed-frequency power converter operation for responding to fasttransient load conditions while relying upon internal compensationcontrols even at relatively high load currents. Fixed-frequency powerconverters operating in accordance with the described DART controlmethods can operate at high switching frequencies greater than around 3or 4 MHz, for example.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example directly amplified ramptracking-controlled Buck converter system in accordance with thisdisclosure, generally as 100. In FIG. 1, the DART converter 110 is aninternally compensated controller for controlling the operation of theBuck converter system 100.

In operation, the DART converter 110 receives input power from the inputsignal V_(IN). The DART converter 110 generates the switched outputpower signal V_(SW) in response to the input signal V_(IN) and inresponse to a feedback voltage signal V_(FB). The switched output powersignal V_(SW) is arranged for regulating a generated output voltageV_(SW). The switched output power signal V_(SW) is coupled to a firstterminal of a coil L_(O). The coil L_(O), for example, is an inductorfor converting the voltage of the switched output power signal V_(SW) toa second voltage at the second terminal of the coil L_(O).

The second voltage output at the second terminal of the coil L_(O) islow-pass filtered by capacitor C_(out) to generate the output voltageV_(out). The load R_(load) receives a current I_(O) at the regulatedoutput voltage V_(out). However, the load R_(load) dynamically varies(such as when generating fast transient load conditions), which changesthe voltage of V_(out). The voltage divider formed by the series ofR_(s1) and R_(s2) generates the signal V_(FB) (at a center node) forproviding an indication of the changes in the voltage of V_(out). Anoptional feedforward capacitor C_(FF) can be coupled in parallel withR_(s1) to increase the slew rate of the indication of the changes in thevoltage of V_(out) to control circuitry (discussed below with referenceto FIG. 2, for example) within the DART converter 110.

Accordingly, the DART converter 110 can operate with or without externalcompensation components and can regulate the voltage of V_(out) using(e.g., only) one voltage-regulation control-loop input pin (e.g., usedfor coupling the externally generated feedback voltage V_(FB), which canlower packaging costs). Reducing the number of external componentsrequired can reduce system costs and overall size. The reduction of therequired external components also can simplify the end-use design of apackaged DART converter 110.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example directly amplified ramptracking converter in accordance with this disclosure, generally as 200.In FIG. 2, an example DART converter 200 (which is similar to the DARTconverter 110) is generally described as including a voltage loop 210circuit, a loop comparator 220, a ramp loop 230 circuit, a PWM logic 240circuit, a fixed frequency oscillator 250, a driver 260, a switchingcircuit 270, a sample/hold 280 circuit, and a DC-current feedbackindicator generator 290. The components of the DART converter 200 can beformed on a single substrate (e.g., coextensive with 200).Alternatively, converter 200 can be implemented with a DART controllerintegrated circuit (IC) and an external switching circuit 270 (i.e.,external switching transistors), with the DART controller IC including adriver output terminal for driving the switching circuit).

The voltage loop 210 circuit and the ramp loop 230 circuit each arearranged to separately optimize the AC (alternating current) and DC(direct current) components of control signals for internally generatinga feedback control signal (e.g., presented at the output of the loopcomparator 220). The control signals are coupled for controlling theswitching of an external inductor (e.g., via the output signal V_(SW)).

The example voltage loop 210 circuit is responsive to the externallygenerated V_(FB) signal to generate DC-component control signals andAC-component control signals for generating the feedback control signalof loop comparator 220. The voltage loop 210 circuit includes a DCportion optimized for generating higher gain and very slow slew ratecontrol signals (e.g., the V_(REF-INT) and the V_(ctrl) signals,discussed below). The voltage loop 210 circuit also includes an ACportion for generating high slew rate and relatively limited gaincontrol signals (e.g., a voltage feedforward VTFF signal, also discussedbelow).

The voltage loop 210 circuit includes a transient feedforward 212circuit, a gain and level shifter 214, and an integrator 216. Ingeneral, the voltage loop 210 circuit compares the feedback voltagesignal V_(FB) with the voltage reference signal V_(REF) for generatingcontrol signals (e.g., V_(TFF), V_(COM), and V_(ctrl)) for input to theloop converter 220.

The transient feedforward 212 circuit generates the signals V_(TFF) andV_(COM) in response to the signals V_(FB) and V_(REF). The transientfeedforward 212 circuit compares V_(FB) and V_(REF) to generate a firsterror signal for indicating a high-frequency difference between theV_(FB) and V_(REF) signals. The first error signal is amplified with afixed gain of around 500 percent through around 1000 percent. The firstamplified error signal is high-pass filtered to generate the V_(TFF)signal. The transient feedforward block to improves the response of theDART converter 200 to fast transient load conditions by quicklyproviding high-frequency information to the loop comparator 200 forimmediate processing. The transient feedforward 212 circuit is furtherdescribed with reference to FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6C below.

The signal V_(COM) is a DC voltage reference signal, which can begenerated by a voltage divider to generate a voltage between the highand low analog power rails. When the generated voltage is halfwaybetween (e.g., the average of) the high and low analog power rails, thedynamic ranges of signals generated in comparison with the signalV_(COM) are optimized.

The integrator 216 integrates the difference between V_(FB) and V_(REF),and generates the signal V_(REF-INT). The integrator 216 operates inaccordance with a long time constant for reducing (if not virtuallyeliminating) DC output voltage errors in a system (such as system 100).For example, a drop in the V_(FB) signal causes the signal V_(REF-INT)to rise in accordance the time constant determined in response to aninput resistor (e.g., 5 MOhms) and feedback capacitor (e.g., 20 pF).

The gain and level shifter 214 generates the V_(ctrl) signal in responseto the V_(FB) and the V_(REF-INT) signals. The gain and level shifter214 senses the difference between the V_(FB) and the V_(REF-INT) signalsto generate a second error signal (e.g., which increases in response toa decrease in V_(FB) voltage). The second error signal is amplified witha fixed gain of around 500 percent through around 1000 percent. Thesecond amplified error signal is normalized (e.g., level-shifted) basedon a fixed common voltage to generate the V_(ctrl) signal for output.

The gain and level shifter 214 is further described with reference toFIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C below.

The ramp loop 230 circuit is responsive to the input voltage V_(IN)signal to generate DC-component control signals and AC-component controlsignals for generating the feedback control signal. The ramp loop 230circuit includes an AC-component portion for generating a first errorsignal (of the ramp loop 230 circuit) for increasing the stability ofloop feedback and minimize switching jitter. The ramp loop 230 circuitalso includes a DC-component portion optimized for generating a seconderror signal for slope compensation. The second error signal includes alow DC-offset, which reduces the speed requirement of the integration ofthe second error signal.

The ramp loop 230 circuit includes a ramp generator 232 and the slopecompensation 234 circuit. The ramp loop 230 circuit generates a rampvoltage signal V_(RAMP) in response to V_(IN) and the PWM_(INT) (signalsV_(RAMP) and PWM_(INT) are discussed below with reference to FIG.11-FIG. 15, for example). The slope compensation functionality can alsobe provided when the duty cycle of PWM_(INT) is greater than 50 percent.

The ramp generator 232 changes the ramp slope of V_(SLOPE) based on thevoltage V_(IN) (e.g., the signal V_(SLOPE) is discussed below withreference to FIG. 11). The voltage VIN is an indication of the powerapplied to the switched inductor. When the signal PWM_(INT) is high, thesignal V_(RAMP) rises to a peak amplitude (during a rising edge). Whenthe signal PWM_(INT) is low, the signal V_(RAMP) falls (during a fallingedge).

The slope compensation 234 circuit generates the of V_(SLOPE) and theV_(S/H) signals. The V_(SLOPE) signal is a sawtooth waveform having arising slope of around 80 mV/μsec and a near vertical falling slope. TheV_(S/H) signal is generated in response to the DISCHARGE and S/H signalsgenerated by the PWM logic 240 circuit. As described below withreference to FIG. 7, the V_(RAMP) is low-pass filtered to generateV_(SLOPE), and V_(SLOPE) is sampled each PWM cycle in response to theS/H signal for generating the V_(S/H) signal.

The ramp loop 230 circuit (and the ramp generator 232 and the slopecompensation 234 circuit) are further described with reference to FIG. 7below.

The loop comparator 220 combines each input signal (e.g., each errorsignal) and generates the feedback control signal for indicating when aPWM cycle is to be terminated. The indication for terminating the PWMcycle is asserted when the sum of positive inputs to the loop comparator220 is higher than the sum of the negative inputs to the loop comparator220. The operation of the loop comparator 220 is discussed below withregards to FIG. 9.

The PWM logic 240 circuit is responsive to the feedback control signalfor indicating when a PWM cycle is to be terminated. The PWM logic 240circuit generates the PWM_(INT) signal (an “internal” PWM signal forcontrolling the ramp generator 232) and generates the PWM_(EXT) signal(an “external” PWM signal for controlling the Driver 260). The PWM_(INT)signal and the PWM_(EXT) signal are generated responsive to a systemclock (generated by the fixed-frequency oscillator 250) and theindication for terminating the PWM cycle output by the loop comparator220 (e.g., the feedback control signal). The PWM logic 240 circuit isfurther described with reference to FIG. 10 below.

The (e.g., fixed-frequency) oscillator 250 is arranged to generated a(e.g., fixed-frequency) clock signal. The control signals generated bythe PMW logic 240 circuit are synchronized with respect to the clocksignal. Although electrical noise (e.g., EMI) is generated by changingthe frequency of the oscillator 250, implementations are contemplated inwhich the operating frequency of the oscillator can be changed (e.g.,such that the frequency of the clock signal can be changed). In variousexamples, DART converters can be used in response to external and/orpseudo-fixed-frequency oscillators although higher EMI levels can ensue.

The switching circuit 270 is responsive to the PWM_(EXT) signal tosource (e.g., apply) current through the high side transistor forenergizing an external coil (e.g., coil L_(O) of FIG. 1, which iscoupled to node V_(SW)) and to source current through the low sidetransistor for de-energizing the external coil. In a continuous mode ofoperation, the current in the coil does not reach a zero level at anypoint of a PWM switching cycle. The switching circuit 270 circuit isfurther described with reference to FIG. 8 below.

The current sourced through the low side transistor of switching circuit270 can be measured to provide an indication of the current load (e.g.,current I_(O) of FIG. 1). The sample/hold 280 circuit is arranged tosample the voltage developed across the lower transistor during anoise-blanking time. The sampled voltage is voltage developeddrain-to-source across the lower transistor in accordance with theR_(dson) (on-resistance drain-to-source) of the lower transistor. Thesample/hold circuit is arranged to maintain the sampled voltage as aconstant during each PWM switching cycle. The DC-current feedbackindicator generator 290 is arranged to generate signal DCI (directcurrent indication). The signal DCI can be used by the loop comparator220 for generating the indication for terminating the PWM cycle (asdiscussed below with reference to FIG. 9).

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example integrator for directlyamplified ramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure, generally as300. In FIG. 3, an example integrator 300 (which is similar to theintegrator 216) is generally described as including a differentialdifference amplifier 310 (AMP_(ERROR)). The differential differenceamplifier 310 includes a first g_(m) (transconductance) amplifier 312and a second g_(m) amplifier 314. The outputs of the first g_(m)amplifier 312 and the second g_(m) amplifier 314 are summed together andbuffered by unity gain buffer 316 (X1). The output of the buffer 316 isthe output signal V_(REF-INT) of the differential difference amplifier312.

The differential difference amplifier 310 is arranged as a four-inputerror amplifier arranged as an integrator. The first g_(m) amplifier 312includes a non-inverting input V1 and an inverting input V2. The firstg_(m) amplifier 312 integrates the difference of the feedback voltageV_(FB) and the reference voltage V_(REF) in response to the resistorR_(int) (integrator resistor) and the capacitor Cult (integratorcapacitor) and the output of the differential difference amplifier 310.

The second g_(m) amplifier 314 includes a non-inverting input V3 and aninverting input V4. The second g_(m) amplifier 314 controls the gain ofthe integration in response to the reference voltage V_(REF) (coupled tothe node V3 via buffer 320) and in response to a feedback resistornetwork including resistors R_(K1), R_(K2), and R_(DCM). The buffer 320isolates the V_(REF) signal from the loading of R_(K1) and R_(k2). Theresistor R_(DCM) is selectively coupled in parallel with resistor R_(K2)in response to the selection signal DCM. The selection signal DCM isasserted during discontinuous mode operation for reducing the feedbackresistance R_(K2) to reduce the gain of the integration resultV_(REF-INT). Reducing the gain of the integrator 300 helps, for example,to prevent saturation of the integrator 300 in the event of a longperiod that occurs when a power stage is tri-stated.

In various examples in which the DCM function is not required, the DCMselection signal terminal can be eliminated such that the resistorR_(k2) is constant and the integrator 300 has a fixed gain.

The differential difference amplifier 310 includes the V1, V2, V3, andV4 inputs, such that:V ₁ −V ₂ =V ₄ −V ₃  (1)and, solving for V4:V ₄=2V _(REF) V ₂  (2)

For V₂ and V₄, respectively:

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{V_{{REF} - {int}} - V_{2}}{{1/s}\; C_{int}} = \frac{V_{2} - V_{FB}}{R_{int}}} & (3) \\{\frac{V_{{REF} - {int}} - V_{4}}{R_{K_{2}}} = \frac{V_{4} - V_{FB}}{R_{K_{1}}}} & (4)\end{matrix}$

Accordingly, the AC response (e.g., transfer function) of integrator 300is:

$\begin{matrix}{{V_{{REF} - {int}} = {V_{REF} \cdot \frac{s + \frac{{k \cdot \left( {V_{REF} - V_{FB}} \right)} + V_{REF}}{{\left( {k + 1} \right) \cdot V_{REF} \cdot C_{int}}R_{int}}}{s + \frac{1}{{\left( {k + 1} \right) \cdot C_{int}}R_{int}}}}}{{where},}} & (5) \\{k = \frac{R_{K_{2}} + R_{K_{1}}}{R_{K_{1}}}} & (6)\end{matrix}$and s is a Laplacian operator.

FIG. 4 is an example spectrum diagram of the frequency response of anintegrator for directly amplified ramp tracking in accordance with thisdisclosure. FIG. 4 shows a spectrum diagram, generally as 400. Plot 402shows gain (e.g., in dB) over frequency (e.g., DC through 1 GHz). Thegain at low frequencies (e.g., around 10 Hz) varies from around 23 dBfor a value k of 15 up to around 34 dB for a value k of 50, where k isthe ratio of the output resistor R_(k2) to the input resistor R_(K1) ofthe integrator 300.

The DC gain of the integrator 300 is a function of k, which isdetermined in accordance with the values of resistors R_(k1) and R_(k2).The value of k is select to provide a sufficient (but not excessive)amount of gain for offsetting system losses without excessive gain(which otherwise might increase interference with a main fast controlloop). The “zero” of the integrator transfer function helps to enhancethe stability of the feedback loop of a DART controller.

In a hysteresis control example (e.g., in PLL pseudo-fixed-frequencyconverters), the location of the “pole” of the integrator 300 isselected to be sufficiently low so as to not interfere with the fastloop of the feedback controller. The pole location of the integrator 300is minimized in accordance with a relatively small input capacitorC_(int). in conjunction with the Miller effect (e.g., parasiticcapacitance input to output). The pole location can be expressed as:

$\begin{matrix}\frac{1}{{\left( {k + 1} \right) \cdot C_{int}}R_{int}} & (7)\end{matrix}$

FIG. 5A is a functional diagram of an example gain and level shifter fordirectly amplified ramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure.FIG. 5A shows a V_(ctrl) signal generator, generally as 500. TheV_(ctrl) signal generator 500 is similar to the gain and level shifter214. The V_(ctrl) signal generator 500 includes a subtractor (SUB) 502for determining a difference (e.g., which is an error signal) betweenthe signal V_(REF-INT) and the signal V_(FB). The gain buffer 504 isarranged to normalize the output of the subtractor 502 for addition withthe signal V_(COM). The signal V_(COM) is a constant signal which is theaverage of (e.g., “in common with”) the analog high power rail (e.g.,AVDD) and the analog low power rail (e.g., analog ground). The adder 506is arranged to generate the V_(ctrl) signal in response to adding thesignal V_(COM) to the normalized output of the gain buffer 504.

In various examples, the V_(ctrl) signal generator 500 can be adifferential difference amplifier (e.g., see DDA 510 of FIG. 5B) or ag_(m) amplifier (e.g., transconductance, e.g., g_(m) amplifier 510 ofFIG. 5C). In general, a DDA includes a low output impedance and anaccurate gain control but entails higher costs and consumes a higherbias current. In contrast, a g_(m) amplifier entails lowerimplementation costs and includes a higher bandwidth but also includes ahigher output impedance.

The V_(ctrl) signal generator 500 generates the V_(ctrl) signal forcontrolling the DART converter 110, which in turn controls the Buckconverter system 100. When the Buck converter system 100 does notinclude additional (e.g., internal) control circuits (e.g., whichfurther load the output of the V_(ctrl) signal), the V_(ctrl) signalgenerator does not necessarily require a low output impedance. In such acase, the g_(m) amplifier example can be selected for reasons of lowercosts and lower power consumption. When the Buck converter system 100does include additional control circuits the DDA example can be selectedfor reasons of lower costs and lower power consumption.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of an example differential differenceamplifier-based gain and level shifter for directly amplified ramptracking in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 5B shows adifferential difference amplifier circuit, generally as 510. Thedifferential difference amplifier circuit 510 is a DDA-implementedexample of the V_(ctrl) signal generator 500. The differentialdifference amplifier circuit 510 includes DDA 512, which includes g_(m)amplifiers 514 and 516, capacitor C_(T), resistor R_(T), and buffer 518.

The buffer 518 is a low impedance output buffer for sufficiently drivingthe signal V_(ctrl) for overcoming injection of EMI-based noise. Thesignal V_(ctrl) is coupled to a gain-control resistor network includinga first resistor R_(N1) and a second resistor R_(N2). The resistor-basedfeedback helps ensure accurate gain control. The capacitor C_(T) and theresistor R_(T) provide compensation for helping to ensure stability forthe feedback loop architecture.

The g_(m) amplifiers 514 and 516 can draw a large quiescent current andare relatively costly. The g_(m) amplifier 514 includes a non-invertinginput coupled to V_(REF-INT) and an inverting input coupled to V_(FB).The g_(m) amplifier 516 includes a non-inverting input coupled toV_(COM) and an inverting input coupled to V_(Ffbn).

The signal V_(fbn) (resistive network “n” feedback voltage) is generatedat the common node of the first resistor R_(N1) and a second resistorR_(N2) in response to the resistive network, signal V_(COM) and signalV_(ctrl). The outputs of the g_(m) amplifiers 514 and 516 are commonlycoupled such that the feedback loop formed by R_(N1) and R_(N2) for bothoutputs are equal to each other. Accordingly:Vfbn−V _(COM) =V _(REF-INT) −V _(FB)  (8)

Moreover, V_(ctrl) can be expressed as:

$\begin{matrix}{{Vctrl} = {{\frac{R_{n\; 2} + R_{n\; 1}}{R_{n\; 2}}\left( {V_{{REF} - {INT}} - V_{FB}} \right)} + V_{COM}}} & (9)\end{matrix}$

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of an example transconductance-based gainand level shifter for directly amplified ramp tracking in accordancewith this disclosure. FIG. 5C shows a g_(m) amplifier circuit, generallyas 520, which includes g_(m) amplifier 520 and resistor R_(gain). Theg_(m) amplifier 520 is a g_(m) amplifier-implemented example of theV_(ctrl) signal generator 500.

In comparison with the differential difference amplifier circuit 510,the g_(m) amplifier 520 can be implemented at a lower cost and having alower quiescent power consumption. The gain of the g_(m) amplifiercircuit 520 is determined by the g_(m) amplifier 522 and the resistorR_(gain). The transconductance output is the voltage developed acrossthe (e.g., fixed) resistor R_(gain), where the transconductance outputis proportional to 1/R_(gain). Accordingly, the total gain for theoutput signal V_(ctrl) is well controlled by the resistor R_(gain), andcan be expressed as:Vctrl=Gm·Rgain·(V _(REF-INT) −V _(FB))+V _(COM)  (10)

The g_(m) amplifier circuit 520 output impedance is the output impedanceof g_(m) amplifier 522 in parallel with the resistor R_(gain).Accordingly, an extra output buffer can be used to support additionalline loading of the signal V_(ctrl) when loaded down by inputs ofadditional circuits.

FIG. 6A is a functional diagram of an example transient feedforwardcircuit for directly amplified ramp tracking in accordance with thisdisclosure. FIG. 6A shows a V_(TFF) (transient feedforward voltage)signal generator, generally as 600. The V_(TFF) signal generator 600 issimilar to the transient feedforward 212 circuit. The V_(TFF) signalgenerator 600 includes a subtractor (SUB) 602 for determining adifference (e.g. which is a) between the signal V_(FB) and the signalV_(REF).

The gain buffer 604 is arranged to buffer the output of the subtractor602 for high-pass filtering performed by capacitor C_(HPF) and resistorR_(HPF). The gain buffer 604 output is coupled to a first terminal ofthe capacitor C_(HPF), of which the second terminal is coupled to afirst terminal of the resistor R_(HPF). The second terminal of theresistor R_(HPF) is coupled to the signal V_(COM). The signal V_(TFF)signal is developed at the common node between the capacitor C_(HPF) andthe resistor R_(HPF).

The signal V_(TFF) signal can be expressed as:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{TFF} = {{Gain} \cdot \left( {V_{FB} - V_{{REF} - {INT}}} \right) \cdot \frac{R_{HPF}}{R_{HPF} + \frac{1}{s \cdot C_{HPF}}}}} & (11)\end{matrix}$

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of an example differential differenceamplifier-based transient feedforward circuit for directly amplifiedramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 6B shows adifferential difference amplifier circuit, generally as 610. Thedifferential difference amplifier circuit 610 is a DDA-implementedexample of the V_(TFF) signal generator 600. The differential differenceamplifier circuit 610 includes DDA 612, which includes g_(m) amplifiers614 and 616, capacitor C_(T), resistor R_(T), and buffer 618.

The buffer 618 is a low impedance output buffer for driving the signalV_(TFF) sufficiently for overcoming injection of EMI-based noise. Thebuffer 618 is arranged to buffer the output of the g_(m) amplifiers 614and 616 (and compensation network capacitor C_(T) and resistor R_(T))for high-pass filtering performed by capacitor C_(HPF) and resistorR_(HPF). The buffer 618 output is coupled to a first terminal of thecapacitor C_(HPF), which includes a second terminal coupled to a firstterminal of the resistor R_(HPF). The second terminal of the resistorR_(HPF) is coupled to the signal V_(COM). The signal V_(TFF) signal isdeveloped at the common node between the capacitor C_(HPF) and theresistor R_(HPF).

The g_(m) amplifiers 614 and 616 can draw a large quiescent current andare relatively costly. The g_(m) amplifier 614 includes a non-invertinginput coupled to V_(FB) and an inverting input coupled to V_(REF). Theg_(m) amplifier 616 includes a non-inverting input coupled to V_(COM)and an inverting input coupled to the common node (V_(fbn)) betweenresistors R_(n2) and R_(n1).

The signal V_(fbn) (feedback voltage “n”) is generated at the commonnode of the first resistor R_(n1) and a second resistor R_(n2) inresponse to the resistive network, signal V_(COM) and signal V_(fbn).The outputs of the g_(m) amplifiers 614 and 616 are commonly coupledsuch that the feedback loop formed by R_(n1) and R_(n2) for both outputsis driven by the same node. Accordingly, the gain of the differentialdifference amplifier circuit 610 can be expressed as:R _(n1)=(GAIN−1)×R _(n2)  (12)

FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of an example transconductance-basedtransient feedforward circuit for directly amplified ramp tracking inaccordance with this disclosure. FIG. 6C shows a g_(m) amplifiercircuit, generally as 620, which includes g_(m) amplifier 622, resistorR_(gain), capacitor C_(HPF), and resistor R_(HPF). The g_(m) amplifier620 is a g_(m) amplifier-implemented example of the V_(TFF) signalgenerator 600.

In comparison with the differential difference amplifier circuit 610,the g_(m) amplifier 620 can be implemented at a lower cost and having alower quiescent power consumption. The transfer function of the g_(m)amplifier circuit 620 is determined by the gain of the g_(m) amplifier622 and the resistor R_(gain), as well as the high-pass filter (formedby the capacitor C_(HPF) and the resistor R_(HPF)). Accordingly, theoutput of the g_(m) amplifier circuit 620 can be expressed in accordancewith Eq. 11.

The differential difference amplifier circuit 610 and/or the g_(m)amplifier circuit 620 transient feedforward transient block are foramplifying (e.g., isolating and magnifying) the transient voltage changebetween V_(FB) and V_(REF). The amplified transient signal is high-passfiltered (e.g., by C_(HPF) and R_(HPF)) to generate the signal V_(TFF).The signal V_(TIFF) is compared with the signal V_(COM) by the loopcomparator 220 for generation of the loop comparator output signal(which forms a portion of a feedback control loop including the PWMlogic 240 circuit, the ramp loop 230 circuit, and the loop comparator220 itself).

In a same-gain-stage DDA example, the output of the gain buffer 504 canalso be used to drive the high-pass filter formed by the capacitorC_(HPF) and the resistor R_(HPF) of the differential differenceamplifier circuit 610. However, loading effects of the high-pass filtercan affect the signal V_(ctrl).

In a same-gain-stage g_(m) amplifier example, an extra branch (e.g.,current mirror) can source an output current for coupling to thehigh-pass filter formed by the capacitor C_(HPF) and the resistorR_(HPF) of the g_(m) amplifier example 620. The cost of the extra branchis relatively very low.

FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of an example ramp loop circuit fordirectly amplified ramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure.FIG. 7 shows a ramp loop circuit, generally as 700. The ramp loopcircuit 700 (which is similar to the ramp loop 230 circuit) includes aramp generator 710 and a slope compensator 720 circuit.

The ramp generator 710 includes level shifters 712 and 714 and an RCnetwork including resistors R_(RAMP) and R_(BIAS) and programmablecapacitor C_(RAMP). The ramp generator 710 is arranged to receive thetiming signal PWM_(INT). The timing signal PWM_(INT) is an internal PWMsignal characterized by a rising edge occurring around 80 ns before therising edge of the external PWM signal PWM_(EXT) (which is forcontrolling the driver 260 for selectively toggling for switchingcircuit 270). Accordingly, a first PWM signal (e.g., PWM_(EXT)) and asecond PWM signal (e.g., PWM_(INT)) can overlap (e.g., such that atleast a portion of the first PWM signal is asserted at the same time asa portion of the second PWM signal).

The high portion of the PWM_(INT) signal is level shifted up to VDD bylevel shifters 712 and is shifted up to V_(IN) by level shifter 714. Thelevel-shifted PWM_(INT) signal is coupled to drive the RC network. TheV_(RAMP) signal is generated on the positive plate (e.g., terminal) ofC_(RAMP). The slew rate of the V_(RAMP) (and the slew rate of theV_(SLOPE) signal) can be adjusted (e.g., fine-tuned) by changing thecapacitance of C_(RAMP) based on the value of the RAMP-ADJ (ramp adjust)signal. The value of the RAMP-ADJ signal can be adjusted viapin-strapping or PMBus (power management bus) commands to optimizetransient-response performance.

The slope compensator 720 circuit includes averaging low-pass filter(LPF) 722, buffer 724, an RC network including resistor R_(SLOPE) andprogrammable capacitor C_(SLOPE), switch 726 for discharging the slopecapacitor C_(SLOPE), and averaging LPF 728. The slope compensator 720circuit generates a sawtooth waveform V_(SLOPE) (signal V_(SLOPE) isdiscussed below with reference to FIG. 11, for example). The fallingedge of V_(RAMP) signal has a slope similar and/or equal to (butopposite in polarity to) the slope of the rising edge of the V_(SLOPE).

The averaging LPF 722 and the buffer 724 generate an average DC voltage(e.g., proportional to the actual V_(out) voltage) in response to theV_(RAMP) signal. The average DC voltage is for driving the RC network(including R_(SLOPE) and C_(SLOPE)) of the slope compensator 720, wherethe slope compensation voltage V_(SLOPE) is generated at the common nodeof R_(SLOPE) and C_(SLOPE). The slope of the slope compensation voltageV_(SLOPE) is determined in response to the RC- (resistor-capacitor) timeconstant of the RC network. The signal V_(SLOPE) is coupled to an inputof the loop comparator 220 for generation of the loop comparator outputsignal.

The DISCHARGE signal is a short pulse generated by the PWM logic circuit240 in response to a clock signal change from a zero to a one (logicstate). The DISCHARGE signal closes switch 726 to discharge the slopecapacitor C_(SLOPE) (which terminates the rise of the V_(SLOPE) signaland causes the V_(SLOPE) signal to fall to the generated average DCvoltage). After the DISCHARGE signal pulse terminates (transitions tothe inactive state), the switch 726 is opened such that the slopecapacitor C_(SLOPE) begins to charge again based on the average DCvoltage (which causes the V_(SLOPE) signal to rise again such that asawtooth waveform is generated).

The S/H signal is a short pulse generated by the PWM logic circuit 240in response to a PWM_(INT) signal change from a zero to a one. The S/Hsignal triggers the average LPF 728 to generate a hold DC voltage inresponse to the (e.g., instantaneous) value of the slope compensationsignal V_(SLOPE) when the PWM_(INT) transitions to an inactive state.The hold DC voltage of V_(SLOPE) is coupled to an input of the loopcomparator 220 to lower the effect of the DC offset of the V_(SLOPE)signal.

To help ensure the (e.g., feedback-driven) converter 200 is stable whenthe duty cycle of PWM_(INT) is higher than 50%, the slope compensationis input to the loop comparator 220 for generation of the loopcomparator output signal. The average of signal V_(RAMP) can beexpressed as:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{{RAMP} - {AVE}} \approx {{Vout} \cdot \frac{R_{BIAS}}{R_{RAMP} + R_{BIAS}}}} & (13)\end{matrix}$where R_(BIAS) and R_(RAMP) are resistors of the RC network of the rampgenerator 710.

The discharging current through R_(RAMP) and R_(BIAS) can be expressedas:

$\begin{matrix}{{Ioffdischrg} = \frac{Vout}{R_{RAMP}}} & (14)\end{matrix}$

The falling slope m2 can be expressed as:

$\begin{matrix}{{m\; 2} = {\frac{Ioffidschrg}{C_{RAMP}} = \frac{Vout}{R_{RAMP} \cdot C_{RAMP}}}} & (15)\end{matrix}$

To help ensure loop stability when duty cycle of PWM_(INT) is higherthan 50%, the rising slope m can be expressed as:

$\begin{matrix}{{m \geq {\frac{1}{2}m\; 2}} = \frac{Vout}{2 \cdot R_{RAMP} \cdot C_{RAMP}}} & (16)\end{matrix}$

V_(out), R_(RAMP) and C_(RAMP) can be predetermined values, such thatthe slope compensation can be inherently optimized (e.g., beforedeployment of the system 100). The inherently optimized slopecompensation of the DART converter can be more efficient than some peakcurrent mode control methods.

For peak current mode control, the slope compensation can be fixed withrespect to worst-case conditions that could occur due to a selection ofa particular inductor after deployment. As a result, relatively largemargins for slope compensation are provided, such that system responseto load transients is degraded from optimum response times.

In contrast, the slew rate of the falling slope of the V_(RAMP) can bepredetermined. Accordingly, the directly amplified ramptracking-controlled converter slope compensation design can be optimizedwithout providing relatively wide design margins, which would otherwiseaffect the system transient response.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example switching circuitsample-and-hold signal generator for directly amplified ramp tracking inaccordance with this disclosure. In FIG. 8, an example switching circuitsample-and-hold signal generator 800 is generally described as includinga switching circuit 810 (which is similar to the switching circuit 270),a sample/hold 812 circuit (which is similar to the sample/hold 280circuit), and a DC-current feedback indicator generator 814 (which issimilar to the DC-current feedback indicator generator 290 circuit).

To decrease the Q value (e.g. quality factor) at the double polefrequency (where a Q value of 1 or lower increases loop stability), asmall DC current feedback is added to the feedback loop driven by theloop comparator 220. The current information is sensed from a powerstage of a Buck-converter (e.g., from a voltage developed across thelow-side FET of the switching circuit 810). The voltage developed acrossthe low-side FET is proportional to current (e.g., flowing through theexternal inductor when the low-side FET is on).

This voltage developed across the low-side FET is sampled and held bythe sample/hold 812 circuit after a noise-blanking time. The DC-currentfeedback indicator generator 814 is a transimpedance amplifier forconverting the current information from the sampled and held (S/H)voltage to a current proportional to the current drawn through the lowerFET of the switching circuit 810. The output of the DC-current (DCI)feedback indicator generator 814 (e.g., signal DCI) is coupled asfeedback current to the loop comparator 220.

Because the V_(RAMP) emulates the AC portion of the inductor currentchange, complex impedances exist. For example, a double pole peak existsbased on the LC-based transfer function in accordance with a Bode plotanalysis of DART. The complex impedances result in frequency dependenceof the feedback signal in both amplitude and phase. Accordingly, thephase angle decreases around the double pole. When the transimpedancebandwidth is around the double pole frequency, the phase margin is oftendecreased. To maintain an adequate phase margin, a relatively smallamount of DC current information is added via signal DCI as input to theloop comparator 220. The signal DCI is processed by the loop comparator220 to adjust the V_(ctrl) level. Accordingly, adding the DCI signalfeedback improves the phase margin at the double pole frequency and canachieve a wider stability range by DART (e.g., when the DART circuitryis coupled to an inductor having an inductance chosen by a user of adeployed DART circuit).

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an example loop comparator for directlyamplified ramp tracking in accordance with this disclosure, generally as900. In FIG. 9, the example loop comparator 900 (which can be similar toloop comparator 220) is generally described as including DCI feedback910 circuit, subtractors (SUB) 920, 922, and 924, adder 930, and outputbuffer 940.

The loop comparator 900 is arranged for comparing the input signalsV_(TFF) (transient feedforward voltage), V_(COM) (common referencevoltage), V_(RAMP), V_(ctrl), DCI (load current feedback information),V_(SLOPE), and V_(S/H) (a portion of the slope compensation signalV_(SLOPE) sampled in response to the falling edge of the PWM_(INT)signal). The falling edges of each of the PWM_(INT) and the PWM_(EXT)signals are initiated in response to the feedback control signal outputby the loop comparator 220. Accordingly, the loop comparator 220terminates the PWM pulse (e.g., for driving the external coil) based onthe comparison of the input signals in a feedback loop-basedconfiguration.

For example, the subtractor 920 is arranged to subtract the V_(TFF)signal from the V_(COM) and to provide the (e.g., analog) result of thecomparison to a first input of the adder 930. The DCI feedback circuit910 is arranged to subtract the DCI signal from the V_(ctrl) signal togenerate the V_(CVI) (control voltage-current) signal. The subtractor922 is arranged to subtract the V_(CVI) signal from the V_(RAMP) and toprovide the (e.g., analog) result of the comparison to a second input ofthe adder 930. The subtractor 924 is arranged to subtract the V_(S/H)signal from the V_(SLOPE) and to provide the (e.g., analog) result ofthe comparison to a third input of the adder 930 The adder 930 isarranged to add the first, second, and third inputs to generate acombined output signal, which is buffered by the buffer 940 to generatethe loop comparator output.

Accordingly, the sum of the positive inputs:Vpos=V_(TFF)+V_(RAMP)+V_(SLOPE) is compared to the sum of the negativeinputs: Vneg=V_(CVI)+V_(COM)+V_(S/H). When V_(pos) becomes larger thanthe V_(neg), the output of the loop comparator transitions high, whichterminates the assertion of PWM_(INT) and PWM_(EXT) (e.g., forces thePWM_(INT) and PWM_(EXT) signals low).

The load current feedback information DCI can also be combined with anyone of the six other inputs of loop comparator. For example, the signalDCI can be combined with either the V_(COM) and V_(ctrl) signals becausetheir rates of change are relative slow and the source impedance is low.Accordingly, the voltage difference between V_(CVI) and V_(ctrl) changesproportionally to the load current in response to the load currentfeedback information DCI.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an example pulse width modulationlogic circuit for directly amplified ramp tracking in accordance withthis disclosure, generally as 1000. In FIG. 10, the example PWM logic1000 circuit (which can be similar to PWM logic 240 circuit) includeslatch 1002, AND gate 1004, rising edge delay buffer 1006, inverter 1008,S/H pulse generator 1010, and a discharge pulse generator 1012. Ingeneral, the PWM logic 1000 circuit is arrange to receive the loopcomparator output and a system clock signal for generating the PWM_(INT)signal (for driving the ramp generator 232), the PWM_(EXT) signal (fordriving the driver 260), and the S/H and the discharge signals (fordriving the slope compensation circuit 234).

The clock signal 1022 (as shown in waveforms 1020) synchronizescircuitry of the DART converter 200 for controlling DART in each PWMcycle. For example, the discharge signal 1030 pulse is generated everyclock cycle by triggering the discharge pulse generator 1012 in responseto the rising edge of the clock signal 1022.

The latch 1002 asserts the PWM_(INT) signal 1026 in response to therising edge of the clock signal 1022. The latch 1002 de-asserts thePWM_(INT) signal 1026 in response to the rising edge of the loopcomparator signal 1024. The PWM_(INT) signal 1026 controls the timing ofthe V_(RAMP) signal. For example, the V_(RAMP) signal rises when thePWM_(INT) signal 1026 is high, and the V_(RAMP) signal falls when thePWM_(INT) signal 1026 is low (e.g., see waveforms 1114 and 1108 of FIG.11).

The PWM_(EXT) signal 1028 is generated in delayed response to thePWM_(INT) signal 1026. For example, the PWM_(INT) signal 1026 is coupledto the rising edge delay buffer 1006. The rising edge delay buffer 1006is arranged to delay the rising edge of an input signal by, for example,80 ns. The output of the rising edge delay buffer 1006 is logicallyANDed with the PWM_(INT) signal 1026 to generate the PWM_(EXT) signal1028. Accordingly, the PWM_(EXT) signal 1028 is driven high after afixed rising edge delay time 1034 (e.g., of about 80 ns) after therising edge of the PWM_(INT) signal 1028 rising edge. Moreover, thePWM_(EXT) signal 1028 is driven low concurrently with the falling edgeof the PWM_(INT) signal 1026. The PWM_(EXT) signal 1028 is coupled tothe driver 260 for driving the switch node voltage of switching circuit270. When the switch node voltage of switching circuit 270 is drivenhigh, the node of the signal V_(SW) node is driven high.

The S/H signal 1032 is generated in response to the PWM_(INT) signal1026. For example, the S/H signal 1032 is coupled to the inverter 1008,which in turn is coupled to the S/H pulse generator 1010. The generatedS/H signal 1032 includes a narrow pulse (about 10 ns wide), which istriggered by the falling edge of the PWM_(INT) signal 1026. The S/Hsignal 1032 initiates the sampling of the slope compensation sawtoothvoltage (e.g., by closing switch 726) in response to the falling edge ofthe PWM_(INT) signal 1026. The sampled-and-held voltage is coupled to aloop comparator 220 input for reducing the DC offset of the V_(SLOPE)signal.

FIG. 11 is an example waveform diagram of selected waveforms in steadystate operation of a directly amplified ramp tracking converter inaccordance with this disclosure, generally as 1100. In FIG. 11,waveforms 1100 include the waveforms V_(COM) 1102, V_(TFF) 1104, V_(CVI)1106, V_(RAMP) 1108, V_(S/H) 1110, V_(SLOPE) 1112, PWM_(INT) 1114, andPWM_(EXT) 1116. The waveforms 1100 show, for example, a DART converter200 operating in a steady state.

A first pair of signals V_(COM) 1102 and V_(TFF) 1104 are combined(e.g., by subtracting V_(COM) 1102 from V_(TFF) 1104) to remove DCcomponents of V_(TFF) 1104 such that the response to load transients ofloop comparator 220 is enhanced. The signal V_(COM) 1102 is a constantsignal generated (e.g., by a voltage divider) as being the average ofthe analog high power rail and the analog low power rail, whichmaximizes the dynamic range of signals compared with V_(COM) 1102.V_(TFF) 1104 is the amplified AC-components of signal V_(FB) (e.g.,which is generated by the voltage divider formed by the series of R_(s1)and R_(s2) in response to the generated output voltage V_(out) of FIG.1).

During steady-state operation of the DART converter (e.g., 110 and/or200), the transient change is zero and the value of the signal V_(TFF)1104 is about equal to the value of the V_(COM) 1102 signal. Asindicated by the illustrated waveform, V_(TFF) 1104 includes arelatively small amount of V_(out) ripple. The average voltage level ofV_(TFF) 1104 is equal to the value of V_(COM) 1102, which minimizesoffsets from other system signals normalized with respect to V_(COM).

A second pair of signals V_(CVI) 1106 and V_(RAMP) 1108 are combined(e.g., where V_(CVI) 1106 is subtracted from V_(RAMP) 1108) forenhancing stability of the feedback loop. During steady state operation,the average voltage of V_(RAMP) 1108 is about the same as the voltage ofV_(COM) 1102. The waveform of V_(RAMP) 1108 ramps higher when PWM_(INT)1114 is high. The slope of V_(RAMP) 1108 is determined in response toVIN and the resistor R_(RAMP) and capacitor C_(RAMP) of the rampgenerator 710. When V_(RAMP) 1108 amplitude reaches the level of theV_(CVI), signal 1106, the PWM_(INT) 1114 transitions low in response(e.g., after the propagation delay of the loop comparator 220). Afterthe PWM_(INT) 1114 signal transitions low, the V_(RAMP) signal 1108ramps lower until the PWM_(INT) 1114 signal is asserted again during thenext clock signal.

The V_(CVI) signal 1106 is generated in response to the DC currentfeedback signal DCI (e.g., which is generated by the DC-current feedbackindicator generator 290) and in response to the V_(ctrl) signal (e.g.,which is generated by the gain and level shifter 214). When the loadcurrent is increased, the increase of the signal DCI causes the level ofthe signal V_(CVI) 1106 to decrease (e.g., moving downwards from thelevel of the V_(ctrl) signal). In response to the decrease in V_(CVI)1106, the DART feedback loop forces the V_(ctrl) signal higher (e.g.,such that the V_(ctrl) signal is forced higher in response to theincrease of the load current). Accordingly, the signal V_(CVI) 1106intersects the peak of V_(RAMP) 1108, and the level of the V_(ctrl)signal varies in response to changes in the load current. When there isno load current, the voltage of the signal V_(CVI) 1106 is about thesame as the voltage of the V_(ctrl) signal.

A third pair of signals V_(S/H) 1110 and V_(SLOPE) 1112 are combined(e.g., where V_(S/H) 1110 is subtracted from V_(SLOPE) 1112 by loopcomparator 220) for providing slope compensation. The slope compensationsawtooth waveform V_(SLOPE) 1112 adds slope compensation to the feedbackcontrol loop. The V_(S/H) 1110 signal is generated by sampling andholding the value of the V_(SLOPE) 1112 in response to each PWM_(INT)falling edge. Subtracting the sampled voltage V_(S)/H 1110 from the(e.g., instantaneous) values of the V_(SLOPE) 1112 reduces the DC offsetof the feedback control loop before integration (which increases thedynamic range of the feedback control loop).

As discussed above, the PWM_(EXT) 1116 signal controls the switchingcircuit (e.g., 270) for switching an external inductor. The PWM_(INT)1114 signal (for controlling the internal feedback control loop) isabout 80 ns wider than (and initiated about 80 ns before) the PWM_(EXT)1116 signal. The 80 ns delay time provides time for the loop comparator220 circuits to respond to the feedback control loop (e.g., before theexternal inductor is switched).

FIG. 12 is an example waveform diagram of combined waveforms of adirectly amplified ramp tracking converter in accordance with thisdisclosure, generally as 1200. In FIG. 12, waveforms 1200 include thecombined positive-input waveform (V_(pos)) 1204 and the combinednegative-input waveform (Vneg) 1202. For example, the positive-inputwaveform 1204 can be expressed as the positive sum:V _(pos) =V _(TFF) +V _(RAMP) +V _(SLOPE)  (17)and the negative-input waveform 1202 can be expressed as the negativesum:V _(neg) =V _(CVI) +V _(COM) +V _(S/H)  (18)

When the signal V_(pos) 1204 is higher than V_(neg) 1202, the loopcomparator 220 transitions high (e.g., after the latency of the loopcomparator 220). Both the signals PWM_(INT) 1206 and PWM_(EXT) 1208 areforced low (e.g., in response to the output of the loop comparator 220transitioning to a high state), which terminates the “on-time” portionof the PWM cycle in which “on-time” portion the external inductor isbeing energized.

The assertion of the discharge pulse (e.g., see 1012) at the beginningof the assertion of the signal PWM_(INT) 1206 forces the V_(pos) 1204signal downwards below a minimum V_(neg) voltage 1210. After the end ofthe discharge pulse, the V_(RAMP) and V_(SLOPE) signals increase, whichcauses the V_(neg) 1204 signal to rise above the minimum voltage 1210.When the V_(pos) 1204 signal reaches the V_(neg) 1202 signal, the loopcomparator 220 is triggered for ending the assertions of the PWM_(INT)signal 1206 and the PWM_(EXT) signal 1208.

The rise time of the V_(pos) 1204 signal to rise from the minimumvoltage 1210 to reach the V_(neg) 1202 signal determines the minimum ontime of the PWM_(EXT) signal 1208. By inspection of the scaling ofvoltages and time, it is evident that even when the width of thePWM_(EXT) signal 1208 is relatively close to zero (e.g., 10nanoseconds), there is sufficient PWM_(INT) signal 1206 width andheadroom of the V_(RAMP) amplitude to provide sufficient margins forcontrol. Accordingly, DART techniques are well suited for very highswitching frequency operation (e.g., as compared to lower frequencylimitations of some peak current mode controls).

FIG. 13 is an example waveform diagram of combined waveforms in responseto an increased load of a directly amplified ramp tracking converter inaccordance with this disclosure, generally as 1300. In FIG. 13,waveforms 1300 include the V_(neg) 1302 signal, the V_(pos) 1304 signal,the PWM_(INT) signal 1310, PWM_(EXT) signal 1312, and the SW 1314signal. Generally, FIG. 13 shows an example system response to anincreased load.

During a load step-up transient, the output voltage V_(out) falls basedon the increase in current drawn by an increased load. In response tothe lowered output voltage V_(out), the V_(neg) 1302 signal (the sum ofthe negative inputs of the loop comparator 220) increases and slope ofthe V_(pos) 1304 signal (the sum of the positive inputs of the loopcomparator 220) decreases. The on-percentage of duty cycle is increasedto raise the output voltage V_(out) towards a target voltage.

In an example scenario, a load step-up transient occurs around the 1 msmark. Without delay buffer-induced delay (and/or clock synchronizationgating), the DART control loop quickly initiates a response to the loadstep-up transient. For example, the V_(neg) 1302 signal rises upwardsand beyond recent voltages, while the V_(TFF) voltage component of theV_(pos) 1304 signal lowers the valley point 1306 and changes the slopeof the V_(pos) 1304 signal. Accordingly, the ON-percentage of duty cycleis increased response to the load step-up transient.

Because the V_(neg) 1302 signal continues to increase in the next PWMcycle, the V_(TFF) voltage component of the V_(pos) 1304 signal inducesanother lowered valley point of the V_(pos) 1304 signal, and thesucceeding duty cycle is elongated for increasing the output voltageV_(out). Accordingly, the ON-percentage of a duty cycle is increasedresponse to a load step-up transient. The switching signal SW 1314 issimilar to the timing (and the ON-percentage) as the PWM_(EXT) 1312(e.g., as modified by the switching circuit driver propagation latency).

FIG. 14 is an example waveform diagram of combined waveforms in responseto a decreased load of a directly amplified ramp tracking converter inaccordance with this disclosure, generally as 1400. In FIG. 14,waveforms 1400 include the V_(neg) 1402 signal, the V_(pos) 1404 signal,the PWM_(INT) signal 1406, PWM_(EXT) signal 1408, and the SW 1410signal. Generally, FIG. 14 shows an example system response to adecreased load.

During a load step-down transient, the output voltage V_(out) risesbased on a decrease in the current drawn by a decreased load. Inresponse to the raised output voltage V_(out), the V_(neg) 1402 signal(the sum of the negative inputs of the loop comparator 220) decreasesand slope of the V_(pos) 1404 signal (the sum of the positive inputs ofthe loop comparator 220) initially increases. The ON-percentage of dutycycle is decreased (even to zero percent) to help the output voltageV_(out) fall towards a target voltage.

In an example scenario, a load step-down transient occurs around the 1.5ms mark and the output voltage V_(out) rises. Without delaybuffer-induced delay (and/or clock synchronization gating), the DARTcontrol loop responds to the output voltage V_(out) rise. For example,the V_(neg) 1402 signal falls, while the V_(TFF) voltage component ofthe V_(pos) 1404 signal rises upwards in accordance with a change to theslope of the V_(pos) 1404 signal. Because the magnitude of the loadstep-down transient is relatively large, the V_(TFF) component of theV_(pos) 1404 signal is relatively large and a portion of the V_(pos)1404 signal (e.g., which usually tends downwards) is changed to apositive slope. Accordingly, the ON-percentage of duty cycle is reducedin response to the load step-down transient and the output voltageV_(out) is lowered towards a target voltage.

When the load transient release is sufficiently large, the PWM_(EXT)signal 1408 and SW signal 1410 can be omitted so as to provide anoptimal response to the load step-down transient. In such cases wherethe PWM_(EXT) 1408 signal is not asserted (e.g., because the assertedPWM_(EXT) 1408 signal would not otherwise meet a minimum PWM_(EXT) widthrequirement), the internal PWM_(INT) 1406 signal is still periodicallyasserted such that the DART control loop is maintained over thesuccessive periods in which the output voltage V_(out) is being loweredtowards the target voltage.

FIG. 15 is an example waveform diagram of waveform response to anincreased load followed by a decreased load of a directly amplified ramptracking converter in accordance with this disclosure, generally as1500. In FIG. 15, waveforms 1500 include the V_(out) 1502 signal, theinductor current 1504, the V_(ctrl) signal 1508, and the V_(CVI) signal1510. Generally, FIG. 15 shows an example system response to anincreased load and to a decreased load.

When the load current increases, for example, the V_(out) 1502 signalfalls until such time the inductor current 1504 rises to a levelsufficient to restore the V_(out) 1502 signal to the targeted (e.g.,regulated) voltage. In response to the drop in the V_(out). 1502 signal,the V_(ctrl) signal 1508 and the V_(CVI) signal 1510 rise such that thePWM ON-percentage increases (which increases the inductor current 1504).When the load current changes from 0 A to 20 A, the inductor current1504 changes by the same amounts of current. The DC current feedback(DCI) raises the level of the V_(ctrl) signal 1508 above the V_(CVI)signal 1510 by about 60 mV for the 20 A load current increase.

When the load current decreases, for example, the V_(out) 1502 signalrises until such time the PWM ON-percentage decreases inductor current1504 to a level sufficient for the V_(out) 1502 signal to fall to thetargeted (e.g., regulated) voltage. When the V_(out) 1502 signal risesabove the targeted voltage, the V_(ctrl) signal 1508 and the V_(CVI)signal 1510 fall such that the PWM ON-percentage decreases (whichdecreases the inductor current 1504). When the V_(out) 1502 signal fallsbelow the targeted voltage, the V_(ctrl) signal 1508 and the V_(CVI)signal 1510 rise such that the PWM ON-percentage increases (whichincreases the inductor current 1504) and the V_(out) 1502 signal risessuch that the V_(out) 1502 signal is regulated around the targetedvoltage.

When load current changes, the DCI signal (e.g., which is used to form aDC current feedback loop) changes the voltage level of the V_(ctrl)signal 1508. The DCI signal decreases the Q value of the power stagedouble pole and increases the phase margin associated with relativelylarge output capacitors (e.g., capacitor C_(out) of the Buck convertersystem 100).

At the 1 ms mark, the control voltages V_(ctrl) 1508 and V_(CVI) 1510rise rapidly to quickly respond to a load step-up transient. After theload step-up transient event, the control voltage V_(CVI) returns thesame level as the low load current condition whereas the V_(ctrl) signal1508 returns to a level about 60 mV above the low load current conditionlevel of the V_(ctrl) signal 1508. The integrator 216 is arranged toaccommodate voltage swings of at least 60 mV system offset efficiently.Accordingly, converters arranged in accordance with the DART descriptionare suited for high frequency operation at high load currents (e.g.,operation above around 4 MHz at currents of greater than around 40amps).

In contrast, the control voltage for peak current mode controls canchange about 400 mV in response to similar load currents. The relativelylarge voltage swing of the control voltage presents a greater challengefor optimizing internal compensation during peak current mode.

Although the invention has been described in detail, it should beunderstood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A circuit, comprising: a pulse width modulation(PWM) logic circuit arranged for generating during a PWM cycle a firstPWM signal for controlling application of power to an inductor andarranged for generating during the PWM cycle a second PWM signaloverlapping the first PWM signal, wherein the second PWM signal isasserted before the first PWM signal; loop circuitry arranged forgenerating error control signals in response to an indication of powerassociated with the inductor and in response to the second PWM signal;and a comparator arranged for generating a feedback control signal inresponse to comparing the error signals, wherein the width of the firstPWM signal is selectively controlled in response to the feedback controlsignal.
 2. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the PWM logic circuit isarranged for generating each PWM cycle in response to a fixed-frequencyclock signal.
 3. The circuit of claim 2, wherein the width of the secondPWM signal is selectively controlled in response to the feedback controlsignal.
 4. The circuit of claim 1, wherein one of the error controlsignals is a slope compensation signal generated by the loop circuitryin response to an average voltage of a sawtooth waveform for emulating avoltage response of the inductor, wherein the slope compensation signalincludes a slope determined in response to an RC- (resistor-capacitor)time constant, and wherein the slope compensation signal is reset inresponse to the second PWM signal.
 5. The circuit of claim 1, whereinthe loop circuitry includes a voltage loop circuit arranged forgenerating an AC-component error signal in response to high-passfiltering an indication of an output voltage developed by the inductor.6. The circuit of claim 5, wherein the loop circuitry includes a voltageloop circuit arranged for generating a DC-component error signal inresponse to integrating an indication of an output voltage developed bythe inductor, wherein the DC-component error signal controls a gain of adifferential difference amplifier (DDA) for generating the DC-componenterror signal.
 7. The circuit of claim 4, wherein the loop circuitryincludes a ramp loop circuit arranged for generating an AC-componenterror signal in response to an indication of an input voltage forcoupling to the inductor.
 8. The circuit of claim 7, wherein theAC-component error signal of the ramp loop circuit is generated bycharging and discharging an emulation capacitor in response to thesecond PWM signal, and wherein the emulation capacitor is arranged foremulating a ramp response of the inductor to the input voltage forcoupling to the inductor.
 9. The circuit of claim 7, wherein the ramploop circuit is arranged for generating a DC-component error signal inresponse to periodically sampling a slope generated in response tolow-pass filtering the AC-component error signal of the ramp loopcircuit.
 10. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the loop circuitry includesa voltage loop circuit arranged for generating an AC-component errorsignal in response to high-pass filtering an indication of an outputvoltage developed by the inductor and for generating a DC-componenterror signal in response to integrating an indication of an outputvoltage developed by the inductor.
 11. The circuit of claim 10, whereinthe loop circuitry includes a ramp loop circuit arranged for generatingan AC-component error signal in response to an indication of an inputvoltage for coupling to the inductor and for generating a DC-componenterror signal in response to periodically sampling a slope generated inresponse to low-pass filtering the AC-component error signal of the ramploop circuit.
 12. The circuit of claim 11, wherein the comparator isarranged to generate the feedback control signal in response to theAC-component error signal of the voltage loop circuit, in response tothe DC-component error signal of the voltage loop circuit, in responseto the AC-component error signal of the ramp loop circuit, and inresponse to the DC-component error signal of the ramp loop circuit. 13.The circuit of claim 12, further comprising a switching circuit arrangedfor coupling power to the inductor in response to the first PWM signal,wherein the switching circuit includes an upper transistor for couplingan input terminal of the inductor to the input voltage for coupling tothe inductor and a lower transistor for coupling the input terminal ofthe inductor to a ground voltage.
 14. The circuit of claim 13, whereinthe comparator is arranged to generate the feedback control signal inresponse to a voltage developed across the source and drain of the lowertransistor.
 15. A system, comprising; a substrate; a pulse widthmodulation (PWM) logic circuit arranged on the substrate and forgenerating during a PWM cycle a first PWM signal for controllingapplication of power to an inductor and for generating during the PWMcycle a second PWM signal overlapping the first PWM signal, wherein thesecond PWM signal is asserted before the first PWM signal; loopcircuitry arranged on the substrate and for generating error controlsignals in response to an indication of power associated with theinductor; a comparator arranged on the substrate and for generating afeedback control signal in response to comparing the error signals,wherein the width of the first PWM signal and the width of the secondPWM signal are selectively controlled in response to the feedbackcontrol signal; and switching circuitry arranged on the substrate andfor coupling an input terminal of the inductor to the input voltage forcoupling to the inductor when the first PWM signal is asserted and forcoupling the input terminal of the inductor to a ground voltage when thePWM signal is de-asserted.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the loopcircuitry is arranged to generate the error control signals in responseto the second PWM signal, wherein the loop circuitry includes a voltageloop circuit arranged for generating an AC-component error signal inresponse to high-pass filtering an indication of an output voltagedeveloped by the inductor and for generating a DC-component error signalin response to integrating an indication of an output voltage developedby the inductor, and wherein the loop circuitry includes a ramp loopcircuit arranged for generating an AC-component error signal in responseto an indication of an input voltage for coupling to the inductor andfor generating a DC-component error signal in response to periodicallysampling a slope generated in response to low-pass filtering theAC-component error signal of the ramp loop circuit.
 17. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the comparator is arranged to generate the feedbackcontrol signal in response to the AC-component error signal of thevoltage loop circuit, in response to the DC-component error signal ofthe voltage loop circuit, in response to the AC-component error signalof the ramp loop circuit, in response to the DC-component error signalof the ramp loop circuit, and in response to a voltage developed in theswitching circuit when the first PWM signal is de-asserted.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, comprising: coupling an input terminal of theinductor to the input voltage for coupling to the inductor when thefirst PWM signal is asserted and coupling the input terminal of theinductor to a ground voltage when the first PWM signal is de-asserted.19. The method of claim 17, wherein one or more of the error controlsignals is generated in response to a high-pass filtering of anindication of power associated with the inductor, and wherein one ormore of the error control signals is generated in response to a low-passfiltering of an indication of power associated with the inductor.
 20. Amethod, comprising: generating during a PWM cycle a first PWM signal forcontrolling application of power to an inductor; generating during thePWM cycle a second PWM signal overlapping the first PWM signal whereinthe second PWM signal is asserted before the first PWM signal;generating error control signals in response to an indication of powerassociated with the inductor; and generating a feedback control signalin response to comparing the error signals, wherein the width of thefirst PWM signal and the width of the second PWM signal are selectivelycontrolled in response to the feedback control signal.